12.26.12
Oil Spill
Judge OKs settlement in BP Gulf class action suit
By JANET McCONNAUGHEY
Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A federal judge has given final approval to BP's
settlement with a bulk of businesses and individuals who lost money because
of the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.wlox.com/story/20407240/us-judge-oks-settlement-in-bp-class-action-suit
LSU researchers working on environmentally friendly oil dispersant
Mississippi Press
By Gareth Clary | GulfLive.com
updated December 25, 2012 at 9:57 AM
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- LSU AgCenter scientists are partnering with
researchers at Columbia University and Iowa State University on development
of an environmentally friendly substance that could be used to clean up oil
spills.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/12/lsu_researchers_working_on_env.html#incart_river
State News
MDEQ approves specifications for Greenwood's $32M wastewater treatment
plant
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
December 22, 2012 - 6:12 am EST
GREENWOOD, Mississippi ? Greenwood officials say the state has approved the
specifications for the city's new $32 millionwastewater treatment plant.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/0e2a0d5140a9455e969570c5eeff47da/MS--Greenwood-Wastewater-Plant
Connections: Neighbors, relatives and politicians land DMR jobs in South
Mississippi
Published: December 22, 2012
Neighbors, relatives and politicians land DMR jobs
By KAREN NELSON and ANITA LEE ? Sun Herald
The Department of Marine Resources has given jobs to Executive Director
Bill Walker's neighbors, his daughter-in-law, local politicians and
relatives of other employees, state records show.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/12/22/4373655/connections-neighbors-relatives.html
DMR contract workers
Below are details on pay, contract dates and descriptions for some contract
workers at the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. Pay is presented
as listed on the state's transparency website. The year refers to the
state's fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30. To see the records,
or look up other contract workers, find a link at sunherald.com.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/12/22/4373730/dmr-contract-workers.html
DMR charters fishing trips in South Mississippi for lawmakers, others
Sun Herald
By MICHAEL NEWSOM ? mmnewsom@sunherald.com
BILOXI -- A photo on Facebook shows a group of Mississippi legislators and
other influential folks grinning with the fish they caught from a boat the
Mississippi Department of Marine Resources charters.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/12/22/4373641/dmr-charters-fishing-trips-in.html
National News
EPA rules aimed at cutting toxic air pollution target boilers at
refineries, chemical plants
By Associated Press, Published: December 21
WASHINGTON ? The Environmental Protection Agency finalized rules Friday
aimed at reducing toxic air pollution from industrial boilers and
incinerators while offering industry more flexibility and lower costs to
comply with the new standards.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/federal_government/epa-finalizes-rules-aimed-at-reducing-toxic-air-pollution-from-boilers/2012/12/21/cdae0d30-4bb2-11e2-8758-b64a2997a921_print.html
EPA imposes new pollution limits on boilers, cement plants
Washington Post
By Juliet Eilperin, Published: December 21
The Environmental Protection Agency finalized rules late Thursday to curb
pollution from industrial boilers and cement plants, agreeing to give
industry additional time for compliance and easing some emissions limits
from earlier proposals.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/epa-imposes-new-pollution-limits-on-boilers-cement-plants/2012/12/21/4ba43d6c-4aec-11e2-b709-667035ff9029_story.html
EPA drops water pollution order, big fines against W.Va. chicken farm; fate
of lawsuit unclear
By Associated Press, Published: December 21
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. ? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has withdrawn
a water-pollution order against a West Virginia chicken farmer who
countered the threat of hefty fines by suing the agency over new rules
aimed at cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/epa-drops-water-pollution-order-big-fines-against-wva-chicken-farm-fate-of-lawsuit-unclear/2012/12/21/af33dc58-4b9f-11e2-8758-b64a2997a921_story.html
EPA releases progress report on fracking study
Associated Press
WASHINGTON ? The Environmental Protection Agency has released a progress
report on its research into potential impacts of natural gas hydraulic
fracturing and drilling on drinking water.
http://online.wsj.com/article/AP5f64c830de2547a4976c79225de9e50f.html
EPA details approach to study
Houston Chronicle
By Jennifer A. Dlouhy
The federal government is on track to release its study on whether natural
gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing pollute drinking water in late 2014,
the Environmental Protection Agency said Friday in a progress report on the
closely watched analysis.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/EPA-outlines-approach-on-study-of-fracking-s-4139296.php
EPA study supports more natural gas
CNN
The Environmental Protection Agency released a progress reportFriday that
reiterated its support for increasing natural gasdevelopment in the United
States.
http://money.cnn.com/2012/12/21/news/economy/epa-fracking/index.html
Forget Fracking: 2012 Was A Powerful Year For Renewables
NPR
by SCOTT DETROW
December 23, 2012 1:16 AM
Natural gas may have reshaped the domestic energy market in 2012, lowering
energy prices and marginalizing the coal industry, but America's shale boom
hasn't undermined renewables.
http://www.npr.org/2012/12/23/167894458/boom-in-fossil-fuels-in-2012-didnt-stymie-growth-of-renewables
Insight: In fracking culture war, celebs, billionaires and banjos
Reuters
Mon, Dec 24 2012
By Joshua Schneyer and Edward McAllister
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Not so long ago, fracking was a technical term little
known beyond the energy industry. Now it's coming to Hollywood, as the
fierce battle between environmentalists and oil firms is played out in
several forthcoming films.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/24/entertainment-us-fracking-culturewars-idUSBRE8BN02Q20121224
Critical EPA Report Highlighting Chemical Dangers to Kids is Sidetracked
NBC
By Sheila Kaplan
Investigative Reporting Workshop
A landmark Environmental Protection Agency report concluding that children
exposed to toxic substances can develop learning disabilities, asthma and
other health problems has been sidetracked indefinitely amid fierce
opposition from the chemical industry.
http://openchannel.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/24/16112404-critical-epa-report-highlighting-chemical-dangers-to-kids-is-sidetracked?lite
WHO'S IN, WHO'S OUT
Many of President Obama's top advisers are unlikely to stick around for a
second term. Use this page to track who's staying, who's going, and who's
coming in -- and what those newcomers might bring to the president's team.
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/politics/transition-whos-in-whos-out/
Opinion
Commentary: Caledonians should be wary of fracking operations
Commercial Dispatch
Once again, it's the season of joy and light on this little planet of ours.
And please forgive me if it's unseasonal for me to mention this, but
there's a little problem that has come up in Caledonia. It has come without
much fanfare or attention, though it may very well lead to a great deal of
attention if it's not tended to.
http://www.cdispatch.com/opinions/article.asp?aid=21155
Press Releases
Damages Reported from Christmas Severe Weather Event
PEARL ? Gov. Phil Bryant declared a State of Emergency today for the severe
weather system that affected parts of the state today.
The State of Emergency allows state resources to be used throughout the
impacted areas to assist local governments as they respond to this
disaster. MEMA Area Coordinators have deployed to the affected areas.
Several counties have reported damages to the State Emergency Operations
Center in Pearl. The damages are as follows:
* Forrest: Damage to several homes and roads.
* George: Damage to a few homes.
* Greene: Damage to a few homes.
* Hinds: Damage to homes, several injuries and flooding throughout the
county.
* Jones: Damage to homes.
* Lawrence: Damage to homes, damage to businesses and several injuries.
* Pearl River: Damage to homes and several injuries.
* Stone: Damage to several homes.
* Wilkinson: Damage to homes and businesses, power outages.
Updates of reported damages will be released as they become available.
The public is encouraged to follow MEMA on Twitter and Facebook for
updates.
###
GOV. BRYANT DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR MISSISSIPPI COUNTIES AFFECTED
BY SEVERE WEATHER
JACKSON ? Gov. Phil Bryant declared a State of Emergency for several
Mississippi counties after severe storms moved through the state today.
"Deborah and I extend our thoughts and prayers to all of those who were
affected by the storms today," Gov. Bryant said. "As local and state
officials work together to assess the damages, this State of Emergency will
help expedite the support needed."
At least eight Mississippi counties have reported damages and some injures
including: Forrest, Greene, Hinds, Jones, Lawrence, Pearl River Stone and
Wilkinson counties. The State of Emergency also covers all counties
affected by this severe weather event.
The State of Emergency is an administrative tool, which allows the state to
offer support to the areas impacted by the severe weather.
###
EPA Releases Update on Ongoing Hydraulic Fracturing Study
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today provided
an update on its ongoing national study currently underway to better
understand any potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water
resources. Results of the study, which Congress requested EPA to complete,
are expected to be released in a draft for public and peer review in 2014.
The update provided today outlines work currently underway, including the
status of research projects that will inform the final study. It is
important to note that while this progress report outlines the framework
for the final study, it does not draw conclusions about the potential
impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources, which will be
made in the final study.
As the administration and EPA has made clear, natural gas has a central
role to play in our energy future, and this important domestic fuel source
has extensive economic, energy security, and environmental benefits. The
study EPA is currently undertaking is part of EPA's focus to ensure that as
the Administration continues to work to expand production of this important
domestic resource safely and responsibly.
Among the information released today are updates on 18 research projects
and details on the agency's research approach as well as next steps for
these ongoing projects and analyses. Today's update follows the public
release, in November 2011, of the agency's final study plan, which
underwent scientific peer review and public comment.
EPA has engaged stakeholders, including industry, to ensure that the study
reflects current practices in hydraulic fracturing. EPA continues to
request data and information from the public and stakeholders and has put
out a formal request for information which can be accessed through the
federal register at:
https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/11/09/2012-27452/request-for-information-to-inform-hydraulic-fracturing-research-related-to-drinking-water-resources
EPA also expects to release a draft report of results from the study in
late 2014. The study has been designated a Highly Influential Scientific
Assessment, meaning it will receive the highest level of peer review in
accordance with EPA's peer review handbook before it is finalized. The 2014
draft report will synthesize the results from the ongoing projects together
with the scientific literature to answer the study's main research
questions.
EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) is forming a panel of independent
experts which will review and provide their individual input on the ongoing
study to EPA. The SAB will provide an opportunity for the public to offer
comments for consideration by the individual panel members. For more
information on the SAB process, please visit:
http://yosemite.epa.gov/sab/sabpeople.nsf/WebCommittees/BOARD
More information: www.epa.gov/hfstudy
EPA Finalizes Clean Air Standards for Industrial Boilers, Incinerators and
Cement Kilns
Updated rules provide extensive public health protections, cut costs of
compliance
WASHINGTON ? Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
finalized changes to Clean Air Act standards for boilers and certain
incinerators that will achieve extensive public health protections by
slashing toxic air pollution, including mercury and particle pollution,
while at the same addressing feedback provided by industry and labor
groups, increasing the rule's flexibility and dramatically reducing costs.
As a result, 99 percent of the approximately 1.5 million boilers in the
U.S. are not covered or can meet the new standards by conducting periodic
maintenance or regular tune-ups.
The final adjustments to the standards are based on an extensive analysis
of data and input from states, environmental groups, industry, lawmakers
and the public. As a result of information gathered through this review,
including significant dialogue and meetings with public health groups,
industry, and the public, the final rule dramatically cuts the cost of
implementation by individual boilers that EPA proposed in 2010. At the same
time, these rules will continue to deliver significant public health
benefits. EPA estimates that for every dollar spent to reduce these
pollutants, the public will see $13 to $29 in health benefits, including
fewer instances of asthma, heart attacks, as well as premature deaths.
Today's rules set numerical emission limits for less than one percent of
boilers - those that emit the majority of pollution from this sector. For
these high emitting boilers and incinerators, typically operating at
refineries, chemical plants and other industrial facilities, EPA is
establishing more targeted emissions limits that protect public health and
provide industry with practical, cost-effective options to meet the
standards.
EPA has also finalized revisions to the Non-Hazardous Secondary Materials
Rule to provide clarity on what types of secondary materials are considered
non-waste fuels and provide greater flexibility in rule implementation.
This final rule classifies a number of secondary materials as categorical
non-wastes when used as a fuel and allows for operators to request that EPA
identify specific materials through rulemaking as a categorical non-waste
fuel.
Particle pollution and other harmful pollutants released by boilers and
incinerators can lead to adverse health effects including cancer, heart
disease, aggravated asthma and premature death. In addition, toxic
pollutants such as mercury and lead that will be reduced by this rule are
linked to developmental disabilities in children. These standards will
avoid up to 8,100 premature deaths, prevent 5,100 heart attacks and avert
52,000 asthma attacks per year in 2015.
In a separate EPA action today, to meet a court deadline, the agency issued
final amendments to the 2010 clean air standards for the cement
manufacturing industry. The final amendments maintain the significant
emission reductions from the 2010 standards, while providing industry
additional time to implement the revised rules. More information:
http://www.epa.gov/airquality/cement
More detailed information on the final standards for boilers and
incinerators: www.epa.gov/airquality/combustion
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Natural Resource Trustees
Approve Two More Early Restoration Projects for Gulf Coast
Projects in Florida, Alabama and Mississippi will help beach-nesting birds
and sea turtles
GULF COAST (Friday, Dec. 21, 2012) ? Additional early restoration projects
totaling about $9 million will begin along the Gulf Coast in 2013,
according to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill Natural Resource Damage
Assessment (NRDA) trustees (trustees).
Following a 30-day public comment period on the "Deepwater Horizon Oil
Spill Phase II Early Restoration Plan & Environmental Review" (Phase II),
the NRDA trustees have finalized plans allowing for the initiation of two
additional early restoration projects. These Phase II projects will help
restore nesting habitats for beach-nesting birds and sea turtles impacted
as a result of Deepwater Horizon oil spill response activities.
The Phase II projects, which are located within the Florida panhandle,
state and federal lands in Alabama, and federal lands in Mississippi, were
the focus of a public meeting held in Pensacola, Fla. on Nov. 13, 2012.
During the comment period, more than 1,000 individuals and organizations
submitted comments, which the NRDA trustees carefully considered. The
comments, as well as the trustees' responses to those comments, are
included in the final Phase II plan, which can be viewed at
www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov and www.doi.gov/deepwaterhorizon or at
repositories located in communities throughout the Gulf Region. A list of
the repository locations is located online.
These two newly approved projects, described below, are planned to be
implemented prior to the spring 2013 nesting season.
● Enhanced Management of Avian Breeding Habitat Injuries by Response in the
Florida Panhandle, Alabama and Mississippi. This project will protect
nesting habitat for beach-nesting birds from disturbance in order to
restore habitat impaired by disturbance from oil spill response activities.
It is to be conducted on sandy beaches in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa,
Walton, Bay, Gulf, and Franklin counties, Florida; Bon Secour National
Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Baldwin and Mobile counties, Alabama; and the Gulf
Islands National Seashore (GUIS) ? Mississippi District.
● Improving Habitat Injured by Spill Response: Restoring the Night Sky.
This project will reduce artificial lighting impacts on nesting habitat for
sea turtles, specifically loggerhead turtles, to restore habitat impaired
by disturbance from oil spill response activities. It is being conducted on
Gulf State Park in Baldwin County, Alabama; and in Escambia, Santa Rosa,
Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, and Franklin counties, Florida.
Phase II is the second phase of early restoration developed by the NRDA
trustees under the April 2011 Framework for Early Restoration Addressing
Injuries Resulting from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (Framework
Agreement) with BP to fund $1 billion in NRDA early restoration projects.
Early restoration projects represent an initial step toward fulfilling the
responsible parties' obligation to fund the complete restoration of injured
natural resources and the services they provide. Early restoration provides
an opportunity to implement restoration projects agreed upon by the NRDA
trustees and BP under the Framework Agreement prior to the completion of
the NRDA. The damage assessment continues and currently approved early
restoration projects are being implemented while additional early
restoration planning is under way. BP and other
responsible parties are obligated to compensate the public for the full
scope of the natural resource injury caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil
spill, including the cost of assessing such injury and planning for
restoration.
Eight early restoration projects are already in various stages of
implementation as part of Phase I of early restoration under the Framework
Agreement. Updates on the eight Phase I projects are available at
www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov.
"These additional projects are important steps in recovering from the oil
spill, but they, along with the other Phase I projects, are just first
steps," said Trudy D. Fisher, Chair of the NRDA Trustee Council and
Mississippi's trustee. "Use of the early restoration funding has not moved
quickly enough to suit any of us. I want to stress that the NRDA trustees
are working hard to see that restoration funding is used in a way that is
in the best interest of our natural resources."
"The Phase II projects were selected at this time to allow their
implementation prior to this spring's nesting seasons for sea turtles and
beach-nesting birds," said Rachel Jacobson, the Department of the
Interior's Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and
Parks. "We greatly appreciate both the public's engagement in this process
and their support for these projects. Implementing projects as quickly as
possible will benefit our precious natural resources, the uses they support
and the local economy to which they are linked."
"I appreciate the overwhelming support we have received from the public for
these projects which go to the heart of the spill impact on nesting birds
and sea turtles," said Florida trustee representative Mimi A. Drew, special
advisor to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary
Herschel T. Vinyard, Jr. "My fellow trustees worked hard with us to ensure
project approval in time for the 2013 nesting season."
"These projects will continue the process of restoring Alabama's unique
coastal resources from injuries sustained by the Deepwater Horizon oil
spill. We look forward to initiating these projects quickly in order to
take advantage of the upcoming nesting seasons," said N. Gunter Guy, Jr.,
Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources.
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